A day at HALTON - new Energy Efficiency on Cruise Ships with HALTON's M.A.R.V.E.L. Technology
I love learning about new technologies, especially when they aim to reduce the energy consumption and therefore reduce the carbon footprint of our ships.
As we know, about 30% of all the energy on board is consumed by the HVAC systems. So, if we want to boost our energy efficiency, that is one of the most interesting areas to tackle.
That's one of the reasons, why I was looking forward to attend the HALTON seminar about the latest HVAC innovations for cruise ships.
And one of the topics that had me all ears, was HALTON's M.A.R.V.E.L. System.
Let me give you a little insight about the system and how it can improve energy management on cruise ships.
What exactly is the M.A.R.V.E.L. System?
As I learned, M.A.R.V.E.L. stand for Model-based Automated Regulation of Ventilation for Efficient use of Energy.
Okay, fancy name, but what is behind?
As mentioned before, the HVAC system is one of the biggest consumers on board. And when you pass through the galley, you can hear and see, how much flow is required to get rid of fumes, steam, and condensation in these areas.
And strong airflow requires energy. Especially on our older ladies, when the HVAC system might have 2 or 3 tier only, running the system on full blast.
Often, all the areas are very busy and all kettles are cooking the fancy meals to keep us all fed and happy.
But there are times, when only parts of the galley are in operation. And yet, all hoods are on full speed.
And this is where M.A.R.V.E.L. comes in. the system adjusts the ventilation rates in the different areas as per actual use and cooking activities.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Real-Time Monitoring and Adjustment:
The M.A.R.V.E.L. System has sensors in all the hoods and continuously monitors the activity, heat emissions and cooking intensity. Furthermore, it has dampers on every hood, that can be closed/opened as per requirement.
So, the sensor's data is processed in real-time and adjusts the damper in each area according to the required air flow.
2. Energy Efficiency:
Not only the dampers are being adjusted, also the airflow of the fans is reduced according to the flow. Therefore, minimizing the ventilation demands and increasing massively the energy-efficiency.
3. Enhanced workplace health:
Due to the tailored HVAC operation, the system ensures good air quality and reduced noise emission in the galley areas. Making the workplace more worker friendly and reducing stress-levels.
4. Reduced Operational Costs:
For cruise ship operators, the greatest advantage is of course the reduction of operational costs. Beside the obvious energy reduction, further savings are achieved by less running hours for air handlers, generators and all related equipment. Therefore, less maintenance costs, repair works and increased service intervals.
5. Sustainability:
The biggest advantage overall is of course the increased sustainability. Reducing the carbon footprint helps operators to advance in their sustainability goals and to make reduce the overall environmental impact.
Conclusion
It was great to actually see the system in action at HALTON Bethune.
I really hope I get the chance to implement this system on one of our ladies once.
Our way to more sustainability and also more digitalization is still a long one. But these are the steps into the right direction, and I hope we get to see more of these innovative solutions in the future.
Let's get our ships in shape and use energy where it is needed, and when it is needed. No less, no more.
For a full introduction, see also the video below.
HALTON Video - "Halton's M.A.R.V.E.L. Demand Control Ventilation System (en, da)"
What's your opinion on M.A.R.V.E.L.?
Did you work with the system or install the system already on your ship?
Looking forward to get your opinions and experiences.
Author: BTTL Admin
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